First Ramadan majlis for women

Plans are underway to hold the first Ramadan majlis for women to discuss issues of concern to women and promote family stability.

The unique move is the brainchild of the Sharjah-based Emirates Society for Consumer Protection, an official at the society said yesterday. She told Gulf News the idea won the initial approval of some women's associations, which expressed willingness to host such meetings.

She explained Ramadan majlises are being held for men at present where they highlight important social problems and propose solutions. Similar ones can be held for women focusing on issues they might be embarrassed to discuss in the presence of men.

"We yet have to decide how and where these majlises will be held and who can participate in them," she said.

Gulf News sought the opinion of some UAE national women on this new experiment.

Fatima Al Meheiri of the Childhood Department welcomed the idea and saw in it a great opportunity for women to meet and talk openly about problems they face at home or work.

They could also discuss general issues that might have an impact on society.

"There are many women out there who yearn to find someone to listen to their woes and the majlis would give them an ideal forum to share their thoughts with others. "As the saying goes, 'Two heads are better than one,' the solution becomes clearer."

The majlises might even raise women's awareness about vital issues they are ignorant of or have little knowledge about, Fatima pointed out. "Women from all walks of life must be allowed to join such a forum to enrich the discussions and exchange experiences," she added.

Mariam Hamad, an employee at the Social Services Depart-ment, felt it would be easy to implement this idea, which would receive the support of most women. "However, they must be held at times that are convenient for women, and should not go on till a late hour as is the case with men's majlises.

"Since in Ramadan people stay up late, the majlis can be held right after Isha prayers and can go on till 11pm," she said.

Om Omran, a volunteer from the Women's Union Society, supported the idea, but with some reservations.

"We have to consider that people in Ramadan would want to devote more time for prayers and worship. Thus, the majlis must bring up some useful topics for women and not turn into a chitchat gathering that wastes their time," she said.